Reproduced without permission from the Globe and Mail (National
edition, Thu. Nov. 18/93):
_Same-sex benefits elusive_
BY MARGOT GIBB-CLARK
Workplace Reporter
Employers are still reluctant to offer health and other benefits to same-
sex couples, despite and Ontario Human Rights Commission that they should
do so.
When the board of _Bell Sygma Inc._, a subsidiary of Bell Canada,
approved a new flexible benefits package last week, same-sex coverage
wasn't included.
Many Sygma employees transfer from federally regulated Bell Canada,
which doesn't have same-sex benefits; Sygma wants to make sure definitions
in their respective benefits plans match, said Bruce Martin, vice-president
of human resources at Sygma.
Sygma also wants to wait until there is more pressure from society for
the change and until laws require it.
The Human Rights Commission ruled last year, in a case involving Crown
counsel Michael Leshner, that employers should extend benefits to gay
couples. But until provincial legislation is changed to reflect this, the
commission can't force other employers to make the move. They are,
however, subject to complaints under the human rights code.
A commission spokeswoman said they can do little unless a formal
complaint is made. Carl Miller, co-chairperson of Bell's organization of
gay and lesbian employees, says a complaint is being considered.
His group also wants to meet chief commissioner Rosemary Brown. "When
employers don't act responsibly, the commission also has an education
mandate," he said.
******
_Report backs same-sex couples_
In a report released yesterday, the Ontario Law Reform Commission suggests
that same-sex couples have the same rights as married couples. The
commission recommends legislation that would allow gay and lesbian couples
to file an agreement that would make their relationship a registered
domestic partnership. The report also reocmmends that unmarried
heterosexual couples who have lived together for three years or have had
children together be treated as legal spouses. "We believe that Ontario
family law should now recognize and accommodate the increasing diversity
of family forms," the report says.
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